Looking for free things to do in London this Bank Holiday weekend? Round The Dock at Canada Water is finishing its 2026 summer season with live music, outdoor cinema, markets and free family activities from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 August.
From salsa on a floating stage to Jaws beside the water, here are five highlights worth knowing about at this free South London festival.
1. Dance to live salsa on the floating stage
Thursday 27 August 2026, 6pm–8.30pm
Round The Dock’s final weekend begins with Salsa Night featuring Timba Britanica on the floating stage at Canada Water.
Families can also catch interactive sessions with the Brixton Chamber Orchestra at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, while the Floating Cinema Club screens Finding Nemo at midday.
It makes Thursday a strong choice for anyone searching for free family activities in London during the summer holidays.
2. See Steam Down’s Sounds of Diaspora for free
Friday 28 August 2026, from 4.30pm
Friday brings Steam Down presents: Sounds of Diaspora to the floating stage, with music continuing until 8.30pm.
Earlier in the day there are free drumming and art workshops, while the evening continues with an outdoor screening of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days at 9pm.
For anyone looking for free live music in London, this is one of the standout events of Round The Dock’s closing week.
3. Browse the Independent Label Market and N4 Makers Market
Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August, 12pm–6pm
Canada Dock hosts a two-day collaboration between the Independent Label Market and N4 Makers Market.
Visitors can browse vinyl, independent record labels, artists, designers and makers beside the water.
It should appeal particularly to anyone searching for London markets this weekend, vinyl fairs in London or independent shopping in South London.
4. Watch Edge of Tomorrow and Arrival at an outdoor cinema
Saturday 29 August 2026, from 6pm
The Floating Cinema Club hosts a double-bill sci-fi marathon featuring Edge of Tomorrow followed by Arrival.
The waterside setting makes this one of the more unusual outdoor cinema events in London this summer.
There is also a free science workshop for children during the day, with sessions at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Later, the celebrations continue at Corner Corner with a Multi-Culti Takeover, featuring artists including Zongamin, Dreems, Mytron, Silkie and Toby Carter.
5. Watch Jaws beside the water on the final night
Sunday 30 August 2026, from 6pm
Round The Dock ends its summer season with an appropriately waterside screening of Jaws.
The 12A-rated film begins from 6pm, following the second day of the Independent Label Market and N4 Makers Market.
A final Corner Corner afterparty then brings the 2026 festival season to a close.
If you are searching for things to do in London this weekend, free events in London in August 2026, Canada Water events, outdoor cinema in London, or family activities in South London, Round The Dock offers plenty to fill the final weekend of the summer holidays.
Most events are free, but timings and availability can change, so check the latest information before travelling.
Dates: 25–30 August 2026
Location: Canada Water and Canada Dock, South London
Price: Free unless otherwise stated
Check the full Round The Dock programme and latest event details
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